This interpretive trail follows Piesse Brook in Kalamunda National Park to Rocky Pool before returning the same way, a round trip of 3.4 km taking around an hour all up. Rocky Pool is a great place to stop off and enjoy the moment, have a trail snack or if the water is low in summer perhaps even a paddle.
Starting from Schipp Road off Hummerston Road in Piesse Brook this trail follows Schipp Road which is a wide, mostly compacted dirt trail. Piesse Brook is evident at the beginning of the trail as it follows alongside with several crossings along the way.
There are some steep inclines and after rain the track can be somewhat degraded by water flow. The Schipp Road Walk Trail also follows Schipp Road for some distance before diverting up some steep and rough inclines before levelling out and then descending via a section of the Bibbulmun Track.
Arriving at Rocky Pool is spectacular especially after rain when the water is flowing well. Rocky Pool was a favourite bathing spot in the 1930's before public pools were around. Even in winter some intrepid lads were having a dip which was quite tricky as the rocks are very slippery! In summer as the water dries out this is a great little spot for some rock hopping.
A trail map for the Piesse Brook Interpretative Trail can be downloaded and shows the full trail with details of distances and gradients and indicates where the interpretive signs are located. The signs make this an easy trail to follow (unlike many Shire of Kalamunda trails for which the trail markers are often missing making for some interesting detours but that is another story!) Rocky Pool provides a clear end destination. The signs share information on flora, fauna, geology and past land use.
Like any area of bush around Perth spring is the time to visit to take in the wonderful wildflowers. We did this walk early in August and although we spotted a few orchids and other pretty flowers the bush was just hinting at the show it was going to put on as the weather warms up with displays of white, purple and yellow just beginning.
Limited parking is available just off Hummerston Road or you can drive a little further up Schipp Road to the Kalamunda National Park sign where more parking is available. There are no toilet facilities but Kalamunda shops are 5 minutes up the road so you can stop before or after the walk.
Kalamunda has loads of cafes for you to enjoy a cuppa or a meal and is itself full of history so spend some time here to explore. Visit the Perth Hills Visitors Centre and pick up some information and maps on more local trails. Explore the Kalamunda Heritage Walk and head to Kalamunda History Village. Checkout the Kalamunda Farmers Markets held every Sunday from 8am to 12pm or the Kalamunda Artisan Market held the first Saturday of every month from 8.30 am to 2pm and then follow the Kalamunda Find a Fairy Door Trail then head to Stirk Park.
Why not head home down the Zig Zag Drive for panoramic views across the Perth coastal plain. (It is one way so you can only go down!) It has restricted times for vehicle access check it out before you go.
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Alternative trails to Rocky Pool are the Rocky Pool Walk and Schipp Road Walk.
I love wandering along trails, both marked and unmarked, and sharing my discoveries with my Out and About FNC community. If you enjoy reading my blogs please consider a small donation which will be used towards the costs of keeping the website up to date and relevant.
In the spirit of reconciliation Out and About- Family Nature Connection acknowledges the traditional owners of the Wadjak boodjar (Perth land) and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and emerging and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.
As always when hiking in the bush please help to reduce the spread of Phytophthora Dieback by sticking to the tracks and paths, staying out of quarantined areas and, if possible, clean your shoes before and after hiking. A spray of 70% methylated spirit and 30% water can be effective.